Chemical properties of calcium hydroxide
Calcium hydroxide is a white powder or colorless crystal that is formed when calcium oxide (lime) is mixed with water. The compound is referred to by many different names including slaked lime, slack lime, hydrated lime, pickling lime, calcium hydrate, caustic lime, keimkal, lime water and calcium dihydroxide. There are so many different names for calcium hydroxide because it has so many uses in technology and industry, including use in dentistry and hair care.
Effects from Temperature
The melting point of calcium hydroxide is 580 degrees Celsius, at which point it decomposes, which is why there is no boiling point. This decomposition turns calcium hydroxide into calcium oxide and water.
Compound Formation
Calcium hydroxide is formed when is combined with water. It can also be formed by adding an alkali to an aqueous solution of any calcium salt. When calcium hydroxide is suspended in water, it is referred to as milk of lime or lime water. When carbon dioxide is passed through the water, it begins to convert some of the compound into calcium carbonate. The chemical formula of calcium hydroxide is Ca(OH)2.
Reactability
The compound is relatively stable in most conditions, although it becomes violent when combined with compounds such as nitromethane, nitroethane, maleic anhydride, nitroparaffins, nitropropane and phosphorous. Inhalation of the gas can cause coughing and respiratory irritation.
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